Perseverance.
Men and women trek across desolate terrain; their bodies indiscernible beneath layers of boots and coats while muscles scream in rebellion at the lack of oxygen. Fingers grow numb with cold and fatigue pulls on every limb, but the peak’s lofty silhouette propels each climber forward-one aching step at a time.
Perseverance.
A cousin, friend, or sister wakens before the sun. Even her pores pulse with the pain of the illness; as though her body weeps silently in understanding. She whispers her one-word prayer again and again. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus.
Perseverance.
No longer a young mother, she’s weathered more than her share. Loss, grief, and shattered dreams pile up like old, forgotten toys in a second-hand store. She, too, feels like a throw-away-bit-of-rubbish, but her family needs her. Certain of the one who is always with her, she invites God to lead her through the rest of the day.
Perseverance.
It’s a challenging word; a word which means “continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition” (Merriam-Webster).
[bbctt tweet="I'd hoped God would reveal something lovely like peace, faith, or love. Those words were beautiful. Inviting. Soothing.Instead, the Lord gave me perseverance.If I'm honest, I don't like the idea of perseverance.#honesty#oneword#newyearresolutions ."]
When I began praying about my new word for 2020, I’d hoped God would reveal something lovely like peace, faith, or love. Those words are beautiful. Inviting. Soothing.
Instead, the Lord gave me perseverance. Slow to accept the word, He presented it through faith-related articles and books. Finally, while beginning a personal study on the book of James, I read this passage:
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4 NIV)
[bbctt tweet="If I'm honest, I don't like the idea of perseverance.I''d like things to be easier than they have been.I don't enjoy trials, but I must grow up.#onbeingchildish#growingup#choosingjoy."]
If I’m honest, I don’t like the idea of perseverance. I’d like things to be easier than they have been. I want to run up mountain trails-not trudge. I long for my body to dance and spin with sprightly ease-not ache muscle deep. I want to recapture youthful dreams and watch them blossom into reality-not drift away with time.
Perhaps you do, too.
On Being Childish, Growing Up, and Choosing Joy
I don’t enjoy trials and the Father knows that in some ways I prefer to remain childish, but I long for more of Him every day. His personhood. His gifts. His blessings. I want to become more like Jesus; shedding the old, tattered bits of me and putting on the newness of Christ. I must grow up.
Perseverance.
[bbctt tweet="I am choosing joy because perseverance isn't something I must acquire in my own strength. Instead, I can rely upon God.#equipped#endurance#patience."]
The last decade was one rife with trials and I almost dread being called to a year of perseverance. But, because the Father exhorts me to consider it pure joy I am choosing joy because perseverance isn’t something I must acquire in my own strength.
- Instead, I can rely upon God. He is the one who equips each of us to persevere. Scripture reminds us:
We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience… (Colossians 1:9-11 NIV)
Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. (2 Corinthians 1:21-22 NIV)
- We can trust that God notices our trials.
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12 NIV)
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
- We can look to our Lord and Savior, “the firstborn among many brothers and sisters” (Romans 8:29) as our example.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer, and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:1-3)
[bbctt tweet="Christ persevered even to the point of death on the cross. Surely, I can persevere one year to give Him glory.Three hundred sixty-five days to share His love with others.#oneword#NewYearsresolutions#@tammykennington."]
Christ persevered even to the point of death on the cross. Surely, I can persevere one year to give Him glory. Three hundred sixty-five days to share His love with others. Twelve unused calendar pages to offer the Father a sacrifice of perseverance “through my continued effort to do or achieve something for His glory despite difficulties, failure, or opposition by the power of the Holy Spirit in accordance with His will” (adapted definition).
I’m praying you will choose joy as you persevere in the faith this year, friend.
Peace and grace,
Tammy
I often link-up with the following wonderful bloggers:
Mondays InstaEncouragements/ Anita Ojeda, Mandy and Michele, Kingdom Bloggers,
Tuesdays RaRa Linkup /GraceFull Tuesday / Tell His Story/Anchored Abode,
Wednesdays Worth Beyond Rubies, Recharge Wednesday / Welcome Wednesday /LetsHave Coffee/Porch Stories
Thursdays Heart Encouragement / Tune In Thursday /Salt and Light / Five Minute Friday
Friday Counting My Blessings, Faith on Fire, Blogger Voices Network, Grace and Truth Linkup,best-of-the-weekend Fresh Market Fridays
You don’t see it do you my young friend? You can’t see it; you’re in the middle of it. Throughout this past year, I’ve watched you closely. I see to growth you are making, the strength you are gaining, the confidence you are obtaining. I see in you, a mighty warrior for God emerging. You are finding your voice and fine-tuning the message He has called you to bring forth in your writing and speaking. I am so blessed to report that you are well on your way Ms. Tammy. You are becoming a fierce warrior of God who has been forged in the crucible of time, tempered by fiery trials, and made strong by the Holy Spirit. I pray you hold God’s words of Romans 15:13 in your heart as you go into battle this year ma’am. I just know that, with God, you will find your greatest victories. God’s blessings ma’am.
Oh, J.D., thank you! I so want to be faithful to His calling and bring hope to the hurting through Him and for Him. Your encouragement means more than you know. Peace and grace, Tammy
This was such a beautifully written post. Like you, I do not like the idea of having to “persevere.” I’ve even said to God, “you ask too much of me.” It’s obvious I over-exaggerate. But sometimes I feel that way. Once, however, God told me that nothing is a waste of time. Nothing we go through is in vain and He will bring something out of it whether in this life or in heaven. I mourn often for those who are hurting way more than me, but what keeps me hopeful and positive is knowing that God will repay them way more than 1000 times over for their pain. He is the God that gives undeserving gifts.
Christ said we should count the cost of following HIm. All good things require effort and the Lord gave everything for me! Surely, I can “press on toward the goal” for His glory. Peace and grace, Tammy
It sounds as though you are already persevering – maybe it’s that “joy to” …excellent post – your neighbor at Lyli’s.
You may be right. I’m learning to be joyful in all circumstances and truly wanting to be a reflection of my Father. Thanks for stopping by! Peace and grace, Tammy
Great post. I think perseverance is not a word that a lot of people like but it is much needed for us, the children of God in order to finish our race.
I completely agree, Carolina! We are called to finish strong. Peace and grace, Tammy
Tammy what a beautiful post. Now you have me shaking in my boots awaiting my word from God. I don’t want perseverance either although I am already doing that one and it sounds like you are too. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for you this year. Thank you for sharing with Grace & Truth Link-Up.
Maree
Hi, Maree. I’m looking forward to seeing what the Lord has for me, as well. My prayer is that I become more like my Father each day. Peace and grace to you, friend.
I understand not wanting the word “perseverance”. My year with “humility” was a super tough year of crucifying my pride. 🙂 But we know that good things come through those trials! Perseverance is a courageous and wonderful choice for a one word.
I think the Lord is often more concerned with our refinement than with our comfort. Thank you for your encouragement, Lisa! Blessings, Tammy
Sounds to me like perhaps you have two words- perseverance and joy. To be content in all things. Certainly not easy and I know I struggle with this for sure. Thank you for your very beautiful post and for linking up with Grace and Truth this week. I look forward to hearing how your year goes.
Perhaps you’re right! I’ll be sharing more as 2020 progresses. Peace and grace, Tammy
Hi Valerie. I think you may be right! Contentment is vital in the Christian walk. Thank you for hosting the linkup! Peace and grace, Tammy
Perseverance – too close to the word wait! How I want to become more Christlike through times of sweet experiences, but I know I can only become more like Jesus when I walk through His experiences. Through the pain in His life, He demonstrates how to walk in His footsteps.
Not only do I need to focus on this word, I need to be a support to those around me who walk through hardship. Through Jesus’ example and His love, I can minister to someone else to persevere, step by step.
Hi Sherry. You make such a wonderful point! Struggle is never without purpose. Peace and grace, Tammy
Tammy, hi! So true that often the word or the task or the whisper we receive from God isn’t exactly what we would have chosen.
Sometimes it can be eons later before we understand why.
So good to meet you at Mary’s today …
Bless you.
Hi Linda. He knows the ways in which we most need to be refined. Thanks for stopping by! Peace and grace, Tammy
Life is so hard, but God is so good. Thank you for sharing your struggles. laurensparks.net
There are struggles, but there is joy and celebration. May we give HIm glory through it all. Peace and grace, Tammy
Your post reminds me of the Anne Lamott quote: “I’ve heard it said that the Holy Spirit very rarely respects one’s comfort zones”. God is with you in your hard times.
He is with each of always no matter the situation. I love that our Father is an everpresent Help and eternally fathiful. Blessings, Tammy
Perseverance is tough, because the word itself conjures up trials, troubles, and pain. It’s the bad times that we must persevere through–the good times we fly through with joy. As I am currently persevering through a trial, I am deeply grateful for your words of encouragement. Thank you.
I glad to have been an encouragement, Katherine. Lifting you in prayer today! Peace and grace, Tammy